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Norwich Triumphs in Campaign to Find Home for Latest Paddington Statue
We did it Norwich…Paddington is coming to visit! As a result of all the heartfelt entries sent in supporting Norwich for the recent “Paddington Visits” competition, our wonderful City of Stories has been selected to host the 24th Paddington statue.
This was truly a city-wide team effort, and we’d like to say a huge thank-you to all of you who sent in letters celebrating Norwich, and to our fantastic friends throughout the city who supported the campaign.
Read on for the full press announcement from STUDIOCANAL…
With families and friends across the UK and Ireland enjoying Paddington’s latest adventure, PADDINGTON IN PERU, STUDIOCANAL is thrilled to announce that Norwich has been chosen as the home for the latest Paddington statue, following votes across the UK and Ireland. With hundreds of entries from over 90 towns and cities across the UK vying to host the statue as part of Paddington Visits, Norwich’s heartfelt submissions made a compelling case for becoming the home of the world’s most famous marmalade-loving bear, all while the film continues to captivate audiences in cinemas ahead of its home entertainment release.
This exciting statue trail, which has already brought joy to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland with 23 Paddington statues, will now see Paddington arrive in Norwich. Dressed in his signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and clutching a marmalade sandwich, he’ll make his grand appearance for local children during February’s school half-term.
Norwich residents – from schoolteachers and families to shop owners – celebrated the city’s community spirit and rich storytelling tradition, highlighting Norwich’s cherished reputation as the ‘City of Stories.’ Exceptional entries included a local primary school teacher who shared how Paddington inspires her pupils to embrace new challenges and practice kindness. Another heartfelt submission came from Mark Baker, a local parent who recounted special moments with his Paddington-loving daughter, enjoying marmalade sandwiches while exploring Norwich’s local trails and walks. Mark thought a Paddington statue would be a perfect addition to Norwich, describing it as a “permanent ray of happiness for all ages.”
Stefan Gurney, Executive Director, Norwich Business Improvement District, said: “Norwich is a city with a fiercely loyal community of people who are proud of its historic and contemporary story and its friendliness. We look forward to welcoming Paddington as one of our newest residents.
“We called on members of the community to enter the competition and we’re delighted by the incredible enthusiasm it sparked! Norwich is a city bursting with adventurous places for a little bear to discover as well as some amazing local food and drink.”
STUDIOCANAL’s Paddington Visits has already seen fans stopping for selfies in John O’Groats, sharing marmalade sandwiches in County Mayo, and enjoying Paddington’s company in Chester, One dedicated superfan, Rob Mankin, has even become the first to visit all 23 statues on the trail so far.
STUDIOCANAL has partnered with Ordnance Survey to help explorers find the Paddington statues, making it easier than ever to embark on your own marmalade-fueled adventure. For more details, visit Ordnance Survey’s website.